In love, Engaged! Rebecca and Rusty (Wedding Planner, Tampa FL.)

Bonjour mes amis,

Today meet Rebecca and Rusty!

I’ve known Rebecca since high school and at some point we were inseparable, doing things that friends don’t let friends do alone. Through her I’ve became a lover of country music. I remember when she met Rusty, she talked about him every micro seconds, and she was always coming up with sentimental things that she should do for him. The best part though is that he was always very patient and so sweet (God bless his mother), that I knew he was there to stay. Well, 5 years later the rest is history!

Where did you two meet?We went to the same high school and had some of the same friends and never even knew each other existed.We met in 2008 through a mutual friend at a Karaoke night at Texas Rose. We were both talking to people at the time, but that did not stop me from shamelessly flirting with him. I remember he was wearing a white Rusty T-shirt and a navy blue baseball hat. I thought he was sooooo good looking, super-hot. I’d give him a 10!He however, would not give me the time of day. I was hoping he was just shy but at the same time I was kind of bummed he didn’t flirt back, even a little.Well just as I was about to give my flirting up and admit defeat, he began to loosen up a little.After getting schooled in pool, we decided we would go somewhere a little quieter so we could actually have an actual conversation. Rusty ended taking me to Riverwalk, where we walked along the water. We sat on the bench and talked for what seemed like hours. He was a perfect gentlemen and sooo sweet. I totally wasn’t expecting to fall for him, but I did. From the very start I knew he was definitely the guy fathers would approve of and any girl would be lucky to have. 5 years later and the rest is history. I am so lucky to be finally marring the kindest and most caring man in the world!

What attracted you to each other?What attracted me to him was the fact that I had to work to get his attention. Once I did, he was charming, had southern grace, good manners, and just seemed to have a heart of pure gold. It also helped that he was totally good looking!!

Where do you currently live?Plantation, Florida

When did you get engaged?12/25/13

Tell us about the proposal?

Her View:

The proposal was such a wonderful, unexpected surprise! It was a perfect end to an already eventful 2013.

It was the first Christmas in our new house. We had finally finished opening all our presents, which seemed like it took forever. I guess that was due to the fact I had to start cooking and I was a little overwhelmed (first big family event, hosted by me, and I insisted I would do everything by myself). So I was off to the kitchen to conquer dinner! I remember it like it was today, Rusty stopped me right before I got through the kitchen door and asked me if I opened my stocking yet. I didn’t even realize there was anything in it (wasn’t even sure where it was). So I went back to the living room to open it. There was a back massager, hair ties, this and that….. and then…. at the very bottom.. There was a box…. Not thinking it was anything other than a pair of earrings, I opened it.

IT WAS EMPTY…. HAHAHAHA… some joke Rusty! I turned around to punch him, and I realized he was down on one knee!!!!!! I’ll never forget the look in his eyes and the goofy smile on his face when he asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. I still get a lump in my throat when I think about it!!!!!!

The whole day was perfect and a Christmas I’ll never forget.

His view:The proposal… Well I can’t say that I didn’t put a lot of thought into it because that would be a lie. I thought of a 100 different ways I could have asked her. I thought traveling somewhere and asking her and even doing something extreme like jumping out of a plane; there were so many different possibilities and ways I could have done it. But with each crazy idea, I eventually came back down to reality. Keeping our new baby, house, and my new job in mind, I decided to go a simpler route. I knew that I wanted it to be special and that I wanted to like to share the moment with loved ones, and even though i think she knew it was around the corner I still wanted it to be kind of a surprise. So I decided I would ask her Christmas morning. I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity since both our families and a few close friends would all be together, which doesn’t happen all too often enough. When everything was all said and done, I think it meant a lot to both of us that that our families were able to share in the moment. Rebecca made one of the happiest days of the year, one of the happiest days of my life. What more could I have asked for!

What do you enjoy doing most together?We both enjoy anything outdoors. We enjoy fishing, riding ATV’s, camping, water sport activities, taking our two dogs to the Dog Park and beach. We love spending time together and with family and friends. We love entertaining!

What do you love/admire about each other?We love that we function so well as a team. We know that as a team we are stronger and as long as we are together we will let nothing come between us. We can accomplish more together than as one. We love the fact that we both understand that a relationship is not about each of us giving 50%/50% but 100%/100% everyday!

What are both looking forward to most on your wedding day?Rebecca:I think seeing my future husband to be watching me as I walk down the aisle and us locking eyes for the first time is what I am looking forward to most.

Rusty:Seeing my future wife for the first time as she walks down the aisle.

Where do you plan on honeymooning?At an all-inclusive resort for three days in St. Lucia!

As a married couple where do you see yourself in five years?We see ourselves enjoying the life we created with our three children and our two dogs. We see ourselves successful in both our jobs. We see ourselves being happy and content doing the things we love with our friends and family. And, happily married!

Any advice for other engaged couples?It seems like you have plenty of time, but you don’t. Start early so you can allow for changes in plan if you need to and you don’t have to rush through or not do something that is important to you. Don’t let ANYONE tell you that you HAVE TO do anything. You don’t. (You really really don’t). Do what will make you the happiest even if it means pissing people off temporarily. When your vision comes to fruition, you’ll be psyched and they’ll most likely get over it and/or be impressed. Also, on the flip side, your friends and family want to help more than you can imagine. They don’t mind being asked to be put to task – DO IT!!! Think of any connections you have and USE THEM.

I would like to say CONGRATS! and send a special thank you to Rebecca and Rusty for sharing their love story with us. Can’t wait to see it all come together, which means ROAD TRIP to Miami! I am excited!

We would also like to say HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to their precious daughter Autumn.